BOLTON sidecar racer Mark Berry hopes a bigger bike will bring greater rewards this season.

The 44-year-old driver finished second in the Ace Of Aintree Formula One championship last year, despite riding a bike which was significantly smaller than his rivals'.

He raced on a 750cc machine against opponents with 1000cc engines which gave him a disadvantage.

Despite that he had a successful season and aims to build on it by going faster in his fifth season of racing.

The self-employed gardener said: "I am very pleased with last year's results as I was on a smaller F2 sidecar and was giving away 250cc.

"I had to ride really hard. This year I'm looking forward to racing my new faster sidecar and hopefully getting even better results."

His new bike is a traditional F1 sidecar with Kawasaki ZX10 engine and he is looking forward to competing in the Ace Of Aintree Championship again which features a race at the Darley Moor a circuit he has never raced at, while he is hoping for races at Anglesey Circuit and Cadwell Park.

He is also looking for a new passenger to ride with this season to replace his partner last year, Derek Taylor from Blackburn, and sponsors to advertise on his racing kit.

Anyone interested in becoming his passenger or sponsoring him contact him on 07901 875784 or metalfacemark@hotmail.com.